Hydrofluoric acid imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $5.2 million of hydrofluoric acid in 2024 (2.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 116% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 41% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $5.2M | 2.6K t |
| 2023 | $2.4M | 1.2K t |
| 2022 | $1.0M | 1.3K t |
| 2021 | $495K | 349 t |
| 2020 | $214K | 146 t |
| 2019 | $314K | 220 t |
| 2018 | $221K | 122 t |
| 2017 | $480K | 324 t |
Where South Africa imports hydrofluoric acid from
The largest suppliers were Germany (47%), China (22%), United Kingdom (19%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $2.4M | 47% |
| China | $1.2M | 22% |
| United Kingdom | $1.0M | 19% |
| United Arab Emirates | $620K | 12% |
| Ireland | $4K | 0.1% |
| Sweden | $3K | 0.1% |
| Canada | $1K | 0% |
| Belgium | $0K | 0% |
| Spain | $0K | 0% |
| Thailand | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.02 per kg, close to the world average of $2.02.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Hydrofluoric acid exports from South Africa
Exports of hydrofluoric acid by South Africa reached $5.1 million in 2024 (1.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. One buyer market dominates: United Kingdom accounted for 97% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $4.9M | 97% |
| Zimbabwe | $41K | 0.8% |
| Angola | $29K | 0.6% |
| Mozambique | $29K | 0.6% |
| Zambia | $29K | 0.6% |
| Namibia | $12K | 0.2% |
| DR Congo | $11K | 0.2% |
| Botswana | $5K | 0.1% |
| Malawi | $2K | 0% |
| Eswatini | $1K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa hydrofluoric acid imports (HS 2811.11): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 2811.11: Hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid).
Common questions
What is the value of hydrofluoric acid imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported hydrofluoric acid worth $5.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 134 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 116% on 2023.
Which countries supply hydrofluoric acid to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 47% of the value ($2.4 million), followed by China (22%) and the United Kingdom (19%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 12 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 461% on the year.
What is the average import price of hydrofluoric acid per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.02 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $2.02 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of hydrofluoric acid to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $480 thousand in 2017 to $5.2 million in 2024, an increase of 990%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $1.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export hydrofluoric acid?
Yes. South Africa exported $5.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe and Angola. That compares with imports of $5.2 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for hydrofluoric acid?
The HS code for hydrofluoric acid is subheading 2811.11. It sits in HS chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2811 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
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